What is it and how does work What is it and how does work in schools?in schools?

MEDIATIONMEDIATION

• Mediation is a fair, Mediation is a fair, non judgemental, confidential process non judgemental, confidential process that empowers the clients to identify that empowers the clients to identify their problems and helps them to find their problems and helps them to find achievable ways of improving positive achievable ways of improving positive

relationships and behaviours. relationships and behaviours.

The AimThe Aim

• To improve relationshipsTo improve relationships

• Address behavioural problems in schoolAddress behavioural problems in school

• Increase attendanceIncrease attendance

• Prevent HomelessnessPrevent Homelessness

The Mediation ProcessThe Mediation Process

Is split up in to three areas.Is split up in to three areas.

1. 1-2-1 support sessions for the young person.1. 1-2-1 support sessions for the young person.

These sessions are used assess the needs of the young These sessions are used assess the needs of the young person, to build rapport and trust which helps the young person, to build rapport and trust which helps the young person to open up and talk about the issues that maybe person to open up and talk about the issues that maybe

influencing their behaviour.influencing their behaviour.

The ProcessThe Process

2. Meeting with the parents/carers. 2. Meeting with the parents/carers.

This is a chance for the parents/carers This is a chance for the parents/carers to raise and discuss their issues.to raise and discuss their issues.

The ProcessThe Process

3. Joint meeting with the family. 3. Joint meeting with the family.

When both parties are ready a meeting is When both parties are ready a meeting is arranged in a neutral setting. Here they arranged in a neutral setting. Here they can discuss all the problems that have can discuss all the problems that have

been highlighted in a calm environment been highlighted in a calm environment and then an agreement can be written up.and then an agreement can be written up.

The ProcessThe Process

3 cont: To draw up a realistic agreement.3 cont: To draw up a realistic agreement.

The issues that are the most important to both The issues that are the most important to both parties and that are realistically achievable will parties and that are realistically achievable will

be written up in an agreement. This will be signed be written up in an agreement. This will be signed by everyone concerned including the mediator.by everyone concerned including the mediator.The agreement can be reviewed at regular The agreement can be reviewed at regular

intervals.intervals.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN Jane and Mr & Mrs Green Date of agreement: 25/03/2011

Mr and Mrs Green and Jane have participated in mediation in order to improve aspects of the relationship with each other and how to go forward. Both Mr and Mrs Green and Jane have contributed to the process by having an open exchange of views around a number of topics that have concerned them, and have reached agreement about how to improve the relationship between them. They all agreed to attempt to rebuild their relationship by respecting the agreement and by each taking responsibility. 1. “Communication ” Both Mr and Mrs Green and Jane agree that: They will all be more aware of each others need to communicate so they are aware of the others feelings. This will be done with respect and they will try to be more open and honest with each other. Jane will be provided with an alarm clock so she is late getting up in the morning. 2. “Time keeping & quality time” Mr and Mrs Green and Jane agree that: Jane will return home at 8:30 on school nights and at an agreed time at weekends and will maintain contact by phone. They will all try to sit together for some family meals. 3. House hold chores: Both Mr and Mrs Green and Jane agree that: Jane will take responsibility for tidying her room and ensuring her clothes are put in the laundry basket. Mr and Mrs green will provide Jane with a laundry basket. 4. In the event that this agreement needs revisions, or proves not to hold between the parties, the mediator will be contacted to consider further meetings between the two. The mediator will, in any event, contact Mr and Mrs Green and Jane by 16/04/2011, to assess how things are going. Signed-----------------------(Jane)Signed-------------------------------(Mr&Mrs Green) Signed------------------------ (mediator) Dated---------------------

Sample of Agreement

What Happens Next ? What Happens Next ?

• When and if it is required ongoing support When and if it is required ongoing support is available for the young person to is available for the young person to

improve any of the following.improve any of the following.

• Anger Management, Self Esteem, Drug Anger Management, Self Esteem, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Sexual Health and Alcohol Awareness, Sexual Health

Awareness or if necessary a referral can Awareness or if necessary a referral can be made to a specialised agency.be made to a specialised agency.

Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers

• How long does the support last?How long does the support last?

A: As long as it takes, there is no maximum A: As long as it takes, there is no maximum limit but the aim is to have a family limit but the aim is to have a family mediation session after about 3-5, mediation session after about 3-5,

1-2-1 sessions. 1-2-1 sessions.

Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers

• What if one of the parties do not want to What if one of the parties do not want to engage in the process ?engage in the process ?

A: We will support the young person by A: We will support the young person by giving the support and empowering them giving the support and empowering them to make the improvements that they have to make the improvements that they have

indicated. indicated.

Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers• Who can make a referral ?Who can make a referral ?

Anyone.Anyone.We accept referrals from schools, parents, We accept referrals from schools, parents,

Social Services, Adolescent Resource Social Services, Adolescent Resource Centre, Connexions, Police even self Centre, Connexions, Police even self

referrals can be made.referrals can be made.We are happy to discuss the issues if you We are happy to discuss the issues if you

are not sure if the referral is relevant to are not sure if the referral is relevant to our service. our service.